Where can I find one of these?

[Lateral]

Hi guys

I am located in Australia and I have a 1976 Type 1 beetle. The 1976 was the last type 1 built/assembled in Australia.

These were made up on various parts from both standard and Super beetles.

I am pretty sure that the 76 model was the only Australian model to have the thermostatically controlled flap under the license plate light in the rear engine lid.

Can anybody tell the the following?:

1. Was this in any US or European models?
2. Does anybody know where I can lay my hands on a complete setup?

Thanks for your help.

Regards
Greg

[Marc]

They've been found all over the world, but I'd wager most of them are in California, USA...they first appeared c1974 IIRC.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=340351

The late Brazilian Fusca (Beetle) had them too:


A lot of late lids have the rectangle for it stamped in (but not cut out):


The flaps can be installed in a lid without the stamping, like my son did for my DD:

[Lateral]

Thanks Marc.

I suppose I'll keep looking on the net.

Do you have any idea what the part # is?

Thanks again for your help.

Regards
Greg

[Marc]

I meant to find that for you but was stymied - couldn't figure out what it might be called and so found nothing on the 'net. But I looked at the one on my car and found that the thermostat has a number on it (133 827 611) as do the two plastic flaps (133 827 605) and once I searched for those numbers I found these:
http://www.1800vw.bizhosting.com/0.deck.lid.rear.htm
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/archiv ... 935--.html


...if I'm interpreting the drawing correctly, it looks as though 133 827 601 may include the thermostat.

[Lateral]

Thanks mate. I'll let you know how I go.


Regards
Greg

[aussiebug]

And just for info Greg,

In Australia, the 75 lids had the stamping, but the only year with the actual vent and flaps is 76.

[Lateral]

Thanks Rob,

I managed to find an entire 76 engine lid with the thermostat in it!

[aussiebug]

Good find.

There can't be many of them around, since there weren't a huge number of 76 bugs sold!

[Buggin_74]

And just for info Greg,

In Australia, the 75 lids had the stamping, but the only year with the actual vent and flaps is 76.

Not quite Rob, 75 Lbugs have the thermo vent too and 73-74 decklids have the square pressing.

72 was the only year 4 vent lid that didnt have the pressing.

[aussiebug]

Interesting. I've never seen a 73/74 with the pressing.

[Lateral]

This might sound like a silly question but did absolutely all '76 beetles have the vent or were some made without the vent?

Regards
Greg

[Buggin_74]

Yes they did in Oz but as its a hard to get part many have been replaced by earlier ones without the vent over the years
9/74 was also when the plastic number plate light housings (they have the ribs on top) started here.

Rob, I've owned 5 74 Beetles with original lids that all have it and I know a couple of my 73s did.
I can see in pics my blue 73 which was built in 5/73 does too

[Lateral]

Thanks mate....you're up nice and early!

[Buggin_74]

That's farm boy hours for you, normally up by 6am.

[ALYKAT III]

Not until 6:00 ? You lot certainly sleep in ! I have had many...many bugs over the years, but never one with this particular option. I think I like it though !